Carlton v. Paxton

Opinion

ELDER, J.

Richard Carlton, the natural father of Carrie Lee Carlton Paxton (Carrie), appeals from a decision of the Circuit *107Court for the County of Alleghany dismissing his bill of complaint. With his bill of complaint, appellant had sought to vacate a final adoption order granting William Lewis Paxton’s petition to adopt Carrie.1 We reverse the judgment of the trial court.

In early 1983, a daughter was born to the marriage of appellant and Angela Paxton (then Carlton). Later that year, Angela Paxton left appellant, taking Carrie with her. Appellant alleged that his attempts to locate…